Wetland created at Broomfield Park in Enfield

A celebratory event at Broomfield Park has marked the opening of Enfield’s latest wetland project that will deliver a huge range of benefits to the community and environment.

The Rivers Trust and Thames21 have provided support to Enfield Council who have led the design and creation of the wetland. Funding has come from the Coca-Cola Foundation via a water stewardship partnership between Coca-Cola and WWF.

Guests at the opening were shown all the work of volunteers who took part in mass planting events. They heard about the multiple benefits that the wetland provides and were able to take part in citizen science.

One of the main objectives of the project is to improve water quality in the nearby Pymmes Brook, a tributary of the Lower Lea that has been subject to pollution. The wetland will help to improve water quality before it reaches the river. As well as improving water quality, the wetland will help to alleviate the flood risk to properties and will protect the park from water-logging.

In addition, wetland habitats, once established, will support biodiversity and the ecology of the area. School children will be encouraged to engage with nature and to use the wetlands as a living classroom, so they can learn about wildlife, climate change and other environmental issues.

“The new wetland will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to protect, nurture and engage with nature. Broomfield Park already has a fantastic band of volunteers that help tirelessly to make the area one of Enfield’s favourite outdoor spaces and we are incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication to this wonderful project.”

On this project, the Council worked with its project partners, the Friends of Broomfield Park, the Pymmes BrookERS, and volunteers from Coca-Cola’s local manufacturing site in Edmonton. Members of the local community including families and children helped too.

Wetlands play an important role in tackling pollution, absorbing excess water and providing habitats for aquatic plants and creatures. Enfield Council is seen as a leading authority in sustainable drainage systems.